Which place is cheaper, Kamloops or Anchorage?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Anchorage or Kamloops?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Anchorage and Kamloops can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Anchorage or Kamloops?
Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.
Kamloops
In British Columbia, Canada, Kamloops is perhaps most famous for the large number of tournaments it hosts, everything from the Strauss Canada Cup of Curling, to the World Fly Fishing Championships. It also hosts Skate Canada, Tim Horton's Olympic Qualifying Bike Race, and the World Junior Hockey Championships among others. The city is in the south central part of the province and it sits near the confluence of the two branches of the Thompson River near Kamloops Lake. The city has a population of about 85,000 and it's the largest community in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAnchorage $191Kamloops $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Anchorage is $191, while the average daily cost in Kamloops is $81. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Anchorage and Kamloops in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAnchorage $117Kamloops $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAnchorage $234Kamloops $88
Compare Hotels in Anchorage and Kamloops
Looking for a hotel in Anchorage or Kamloops? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Anchorage Hotel Prices and Kamloops Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Anchorage $27Kamloops $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
- Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
- SUV-Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
- SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62
- Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $219
Is it cheaper to fly into Anchorage or Kamloops?
Prices for flights to both Kamloops and Anchorage change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAnchorage $50Kamloops $24
Typical Food Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:
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Bread$4.25
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Breakfast for Two$17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Anchorage.
- City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour: $190
Typical Food Prices in Kamloops
For Kamloops, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Pastries$5.81
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Lunch for Two$25
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Coffee and Gelato$12
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Anchorage $30Kamloops $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:
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1 Day Bike Rental$33
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1/2 Day Rafting Trip$105
Tours and Activities in Anchorage
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:
- 26 Glacier Tour, Self-Drive from Anchorage, AK: $226
- 3 Hour Ladies Only Kayak Tour in Knik River: $130
- Advanced Snowshoeing Adventure: $238
- Alaska 9 Day Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure: $6,999
- Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup: $115
- Alaska Wildlife Tour: $110
- Alaska's Most Scenic E-Bike Adventure: $224
- Anchorage Brews Tour: $169
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $73
- Anchorage City Tour, w/Chocolate Factory Samplings & Much More!: $59
- Anchorage Ice Fishing Adventure: $199
Tours and Activities in Kamloops
For Kamloops, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Vancouver and Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.21
- Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops and Vancouver: $6.35
- Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops & Revelstoke: $6.35
- Skip the Line: Kamloops BC Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $14
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Kamloops by Zombie Scavengers: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAnchorage $20Kamloops $6.77
Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:
- Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $109
- Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179
- Guided Tour on Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey & Wine Tasting: $285
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Anchorage and Kamloops, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Kamloops much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kamloops would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kamloops and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage than you might in Kamloops.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Anchorage Expensive? and Is Kamloops Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Anchorage or Kamloops?
Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kamloops. When comparing the sizes of Anchorage and Kamloops, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Anchorage or Kamloops?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Anchorage or Kamloops in the Summer?
Both Kamloops and Anchorage during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Anchorage is much colder than Kamloops. Typically, the summer temperatures in Anchorage in July average around 59°F (15°C), and Kamloops averages at about 23°C (73°F).
Anchorage usually gets more rain in July than Kamloops. Anchorage gets 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAnchorage 59°F (15°C)Kamloops 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Anchorage or Kamloops in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Anchorage and Kamloops. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.
It's quite cold in Anchorage in the autumn. In October, Anchorage is generally much colder than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Anchorage average around 35°F (2°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In October, Anchorage usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Anchorage gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAnchorage 35°F (2°C)Kamloops 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Anchorage or Kamloops in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Anchorage as well as Kamloops. Many travelers come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Kamloops can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. Anchorage is much colder than Kamloops in the winter. The daily temperature in Anchorage averages around 15°F (-9°C) in January, and Kamloops fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).
Anchorage usually gets less rain in January than Kamloops. Anchorage gets 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAnchorage 15°F (-9°C)Kamloops -3°C (27°F)
Should I visit Anchorage or Kamloops in the Spring?
Both Kamloops and Anchorage are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Anchorage in the spring for the natural beauty.
Anchorage can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Anchorage is much colder than Kamloops. Typically, the spring temperatures in Anchorage in April average around 36°F (2°C), and Kamloops averages at about 12°C (53°F).
In April, Anchorage usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Anchorage gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAnchorage 36°F (2°C)Kamloops 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Kamloops and Anchorage
| Anchorage | Kamloops | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) | -3°C (27°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 2°C (35°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 36°F (2°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) | 12°C (53°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 47°F (8°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) | 16°C (61°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 55°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) | 21°C (69°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 59°F (15°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) | 23°C (73°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Aug | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) | 23°C (73°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 17°C (63°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Oct | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Nov | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) | 4°C (39°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Dec | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) | -1°C (30°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.